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Cable Abatement Services

Removal and Recycling of Abandoned Cabling

Abandoned cables and wires, especially those left forgotten in ceilings and walls, are increasingly viewed and treated as a major fire-safety concern.

In the last several years, the National Fire Protection Agency ("NFPA") and the National Electric Code® ("NEC") have focused their attention on the potential safety threat posed by abandoned cabling throughout our commercial buildings.

These abandoned cables are a source for fueling fire, smoke and lethal toxic fumes that can incapacitate and kill. Today, the National Electrical Code® (NEC 2002) requires that all abandoned copper and fiber cable be removed. Abandoned wires are defined by the NEC to be the "installed cable that is not terminated at both ends at a connector or other equipment and not identified for future use with a tag."

Literally miles of cabling left in the ceilings and in the walls from previous network and power installations by previous tenants have accumulated in most of our buildings over the last several decades. Legacy wires may now render your property “out of code,” jeopardize your fire insurance and represent a significant legal liability. The new rules make it a violation to have abandoned wires in your building's risers or plenums and, in addition, mandate the use of specific wiring standards for new installs.

Abandoned cable, hardware, and equipment should be removed if not part of a documented and maintained structured cabling system

Why does abandoned cabling present such a problem?

The accumulation of miles and miles of cabling left in the ceilings and walls of facilities has become a major concern for life safety. Cables and wires that are abandoned in ceilings, riser systems, and air-handling systems are a source for fueling fire, smoke, and lethal toxic fumes that can incapacitate, even kill.

Cables and Chips, with over 30 years of premise wiring experience, has the knowledge and practical expertise to guide you through this rather murky area of danger and liability related to abandoned wiring. Furthermore, we have a highly-skilled technical staff capable of performing the identification and removal task according to codeContact Us Today!